Israeli and Arab Commanders in Jerusalem to Meet on Disputed Government House Area

Israeli and Arab commanders here were scheduled to meet this afternoon with U.N. truce officials to discuss the neutralization of the Government House area, one of the chief areas of dispute in the Holy City. A.U.N. spokesman, who said the commanders will meet at the Damascus Gate entrance to Jerusalem, described last night as the quietest in the city since the current truce went into effect.

The International Red Cross today received a note from the Israeli Foreign Ministry complaining against the alleged handing over of several unarmed Jews by the Red Cross to a group of Arabs at Government House. According to the Israeli communication, a small group of Jews sought shelter in the Red Cross enclave after leaving their arms and equipment outside.

“The Arab commander then appeared on the scene at the head of a fully-armed unit and demanded our men’s delivery,” the complaint continued. “The Jews were delivered to the Arabs by a Red Cross representative on condition that they be treated as prisoners of war,” the note added.